Physics and Chemistry

Light, Sound, and Other Waves

How do sound waves differ from light waves?

Waves consist of a series of motions in regular succession carrying energy from one place to another without moving any matter. Periodic waves include ocean waves, sound waves, and electromagnetic waves. Visible light and radio waves are electromagnetic waves. Mechanical waves, such as ocean waves and sound waves, involve matter, but it is important to remember that there is no transport of matter. The water in an ocean wave does not move from one location to another merely the energy of the wave is transported. Light waves involve only energy without matter.